MMCIJ

Location: IJmuiden, the Netherlands, Europe

Year of building: 2013

Biome: Coastal

State: Unfinished

Amount of exhibits: unknown

Introduction

Marine Mammal Center IJmuiden is located in the city IJmuiden in the Netherlands (Europe). This city lays pretty central in the country, and it's very close to the shore. From most parts of the Netherlands, the center is easy to reach. This makes it a perfect location for a marine mammal rescue center, since strandings occur on the Wadden Islands in the north, on the Northsea coastline in the west, but also on the shores of Sealand (the south-western province). Animals stranded in Germany, Belgium and France are also taken to this center.

Rescue

The Marine Mammal Center not only rehabilitates cetaceans like the common Harbour Porpoise, but also Pinnipeds: Grey Seals and Harbour Seals. All these species live in quite large numbers in the Northsea and Waddensea. Occasionally there are strandings of more rare species, like Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, White-beaked Dolphins and more. When a live animal is found on the beach, the center is called immediately. A team of at least 2 people will go the place of the stranding as quickly as possible, to collect the animal. First aid is given on the beach, and after the animal will be brought to the center for further treatment.

Education

The center is also accessable for the public. There is a small museum and there's an exhibit about conservation of marine life. The public can also see parts of the rehabilitation areas and view some of the animals that are being prepared for return to the wild.